Traveling with a pet to Colombia is straightforward and hassle-free if you follow and understand the required steps. You can bring your dog, cat, or other household pets with minimal requirements. These are easier to fulfill because Colombia does not require an import permit for personal pets from any country and does not require a microchip.
That’s why we wanted to create this comprehensive, up-to-date guide for expats traveling to Colombia with pets. We understand that navigating the process can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the current Colombian laws. Many readers from Medellín have inquired about this topic, and we aim to make it easier for them to travel with their pets.
However, be wary of many English-language websites, as they often provide inaccurate or outdated information regarding pet travel to Colombia. We follow the latest guidelines from ICA (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario), the Colombian authority responsible for ensuring a smooth experience for you and your furry companions when entering or exiting Colombia.
What Documents Are Needed to Travel with a Pet to Colombia?
Expats who wish to travel to Colombia with dogs and cats, either as accompanying baggage or as cargo, need to follow a specific process. To make this guide as clear as possible, we’ll break it down into two sections: what you need to do before traveling and what to do upon your arrival at the airport.
Before Arriving in the Country
First, you must register as an ICA user. After this step, you will receive your username and password to access the system via email. This is required to start the application for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS), which authorizes your pet’s entry into the country.
If at the time of registration the system throws an error message or says that you are already registered, you must contact: [email protected]
With the assigned username and password, you can access the SISPAP (Sanitary Information System for the Import and Export of Agricultural and Livestock Products) and apply for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS).
To apply for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS), you must first enter SISPAP with your username and password and complete the required information about the passenger and the pet. Then, you must make the required payment to submit your inspection request. Finally, print the CIS application and proof of payment to present them when entering the country.
If you are traveling with pets of different species (dog and cat), you must submit a separate request for each one. However, if your pets are of the same species (dog or cat), you can submit a single request (up to 10 animals per request).
When preparing for your arrival in Colombia with your pet, you must ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready in addition to the ICA registration and everything previously described. Make a checklist of the following key documents:
Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that another important task you should handle personally before traveling to the country is to have your immigration status in order, whether you are entering as a tourist with your pet or because you want to apply for a Colombian visa to settle in the country. Remember that with our visa and immigration expert partner, expatgroup.co, you can resolve any questions and carry out your legal procedures easily and confidently.
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When Arriving in the Country
When you arrive in Colombia, make sure to declare your pet. Upon arrival, get your luggage and proceed to the ICA office with your luggage, pet, health certificate, and vaccination record. All ports of entry into Colombia (airports, border entries, and ports) will have an Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario (ICA) office.
There, the issuance of the Health Inspection Certificate (CIS) will take place, where the following process will be carried out by the ICA:
Additional Information
Please take this additional information into account, as it is important in case your pet does not pass any of the airport inspections or if you have been unable to complete the application for the Health Inspection Certificate (CIS) through SISPAP.
Also, remember, as additional information, that one of the main requirements to enter the country with your pet or apply for a Colombian visa as an expat is good health insurance. With us, you can acquire the best international health policy to cover you and receive special benefits—such as pet coverage—from the most comprehensive plans, ensuring peace of mind for both you and your pet.
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Check Airline Policies Before Traveling with a Pet
When planning to travel with your pet, it’s crucial to not only to adhere to Colombian laws but also to recognize that airlines, as private entities, have the authority to determine which pets and breeds they allow on board and the specific travel procedures associated with them. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential to ensure a smooth journey for you and your furry companion.
Therefore, it’s important to know that airlines have a limited number of spots available, and these can fill up quickly. Be sure to call and reserve a space for your pet well in advance. Most airlines also require at least 24 hours’ notice for pet travel. Keep in mind that there will be additional charges for bringing a pet along. Additionally, consider using calming aids for your pet during the journey.
Depending on their size, pets can travel either in the cabin or as air cargo. Traveling with larger dogs can be more challenging as not all airlines accommodate them. Always check the specific pet policies of the airline before booking your flight.
Pet Rules of International Airlines that Fly Non-Stop to Medellín
The following are the pet rules of several airlines with international non-stop flights to Medellín in Colombia:
American Airlines
Unfortunately, American Airlines does not allow pets to travel in the cabin on flights to or from Colombia. However, they offer the American PetEmbark service through American Airlines Cargo to transport pets that do not qualify to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
The fees for transporting pets with American Airlines Cargo vary based on the trip details, animal size, and crate dimensions. Visit their official website for the latest information on their pet transport policies.
Avianca
Yes, you can fly with your pet in the cabin or in the hold, provided you meet the transport requirements. You can take dogs and cats over 4 months old, including emotional support and service dogs.
When flying your pet to Colombia, you must have an original health certificate stating that your animal is fit for travel. This certificate cannot be older than 10 days and must confirm that your pet is free of infectious and parasitic diseases, with no fresh or healing wounds. It should also include details like species, identification, breed, sex, age, coat, vaccination plan, and a vaccination certificate from a veterinarian with their professional registration number.
If you’re flying from the U.S. to Colombia, your health certificate must be stamped and signed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). See Avianca’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines allows small dogs and cats as cabin pets, replacing your carry-on baggage. Pets can travel on flights any day of the week, from Monday to Sunday. Please note that traveling with pets is not permitted in Business Class. Service and emotional support dogs can be transported under specific regulations through the Copa Pets service.
To ensure a smooth journey, make sure to document your pet at least 48 hours prior to departure or at the time of ticket purchase via the Sales Offices or Call Center. See Copa’s website for more information about traveling with a pet.
JetBlue
JetBlue permits pet carriers in the cabin of up to 17″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H and a maximum weight of 20 pounds (10 kilograms), including the pet and carrier. Also, JetBlue charges a pet fee of $125 each way. And JetBlue does not transport pets as checked baggage. See JetBlue’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
Spirit
Spirit permits pets traveling in the cabin with a limit of a pet carrier of 18″ L x 14″ W x 9″ H with a maximum weight of 40 pounds (18 kilograms) for the pet carrier and pet. And Spirit permits only four pet carriers per flight and Spirit charges a pet fee starting at $110 each way. Also, Spirit does not transport pets as checked baggage. See Spirit’s website for more information about travel with a pet.
In addition, Bogotá has non-stop flights from the U.S. by Delta and United Airlines. Delta will transport larger pets as cargo and United Airlines also transports larger pets as cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with a Pet to Colombia
To travel to Colombia with your dog or cat, follow these basic steps:
- Register with ICA and apply for the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) through SISPAP.
- Get a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
- Prepare a valid vaccination certificate with all the required information.
- Ensure antiparasitic treatment was given within the last 60 days.
- Check airline policies and book a space for your pet in advance.
- Declare your pet upon arrival and go to the ICA office for inspection.
No import permit or microchip is required, but documentation is essential.
Yes. If your pets are the same species (e.g., two dogs), you can submit a single inspection request for up to 10 animals. If they are different species (e.g., a dog and a cat), you must submit separate applications.
No. Colombia does not require pets to be microchipped for entry.
It must be issued within 10 calendar days before your pet’s arrival in Colombia.
Yes, but only in exceptional cases. You can process the Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS) directly at the ICA office at the port of entry. Be sure to bring printed documents and pay on-site (credit/debit card only).
Yes. Colombia prohibits the entry of certain breeds classified as dangerous, such as the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and others. Mixed breeds or hybrids may also be restricted.
No. Each airline has its own policy. For example, American Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin to/from Colombia but does offer cargo transport. Always check with the airline before booking.
Medellin Guru's safety and security series
Safety is the biggest concern of foreigners visiting Colombia or planning to move to Colombia. So, we have a series of 18 popular articles about safety and security in Colombia:
- Is Medellin Safe? U.S. Embassy Colombia Talks About Security for U.S. Citizens
- Emergency Directory Guides to Ensure Your Safety in Colombia
- Is Colombia Safe? Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Medellín Safe? Medellín Security and Safety Tips
- How to Travel and Live in Colombia Safe as a Foreigner
- What are the Safest Neighborhoods in Medellín and the Aburrá Valley
- Medellín Robbery: Expat Experience Being Robbed at Knifepoint
- Colombia Gun Laws: Is it Legal to Have a Gun in Colombia?
- Scopolamine: The Realities of Devil’s Breath in Colombia
- Colombia Protests: Tips for Foreigners to Stay Safe During Protests
- Is Bogotá Safe? Bogotá Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cartagena Safe? Cartagena Security and Safety Tips
- Is Cali Safe? Cali, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Santa Marta Safe? Santa Marta Security and Safety Tips
- Is Pereira Safe? Pereira, Colombia Security and Safety Tips
- Is Manizales Safe? Manizales Security and Safety Tips
- Is Bucaramanga Safe? Bucaramanga Security and Safety Tips
- Is Barranquilla Safe? Barranquilla Security and Safety Tips
Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel insurance that meets the insurance requirement for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellin Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2024) and constantly receive updates in 2025.
The Bottom Line: Travel with a Pet to Colombia – Travel with a Dog or Cat to Colombia
Traveling to Colombia with your pet is totally doable—with the right prep. Make sure to get your Sanitary Inspection Certificate (CIS), gather all required documents, and check both airline rules and Colombian laws (especially breed restrictions). Plan ahead, stay informed, and your pet will be ready to explore Colombia with you.
Need help with your visa or pet travel prep? Reach out to our trusted partners at expatgroup.co and start your journey with peace of mind.
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